the afternoon: I shall, if you please, pass the evening with you, delightful under any circumstances, doubly delightful as an act of disobedience. Ever your affectionate
"Henrietta."
Ethel's heart clung to the writer, she was the only creature she knew in this vast city; and, moreover, if ever there was a being formed to win and fascinate, it was Lady Marchmont: a fault in her, was more charming than a merit in another. The very difference in character drew the friends together; different, also, in their styles of beauty, there had never been the shadow of rivalry between them: besides, both were quite young enough to have warmth, confidence, and mirth, those three ingredients of friendship.
The evening closed in, and Ethel began to make preparations for her visitor. She ordered lights, had the curtains closed, and stirred the fire till the room looked quite cheerful in the blaze. Tea was then brought in; and Ethel had scarcely finished drawing two ponderous
